Louisbourg offers some beautiful trails for biking and cycling. Here are a few options you might enjoy:

Louisbourg Lighthouse Coastal Trail:

The Louisbourg Lighthouse Coastal Trail is a beautiful hiking trail located on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. It starts at the historic Louisbourg Lighthouse, which is the site of Canada’s first lighthouse built in 1734.

 

The trail offers two main sections:

  1. Loop Trail: This part of the trail is suitable for all skill levels. It features hard-packed gravel paths, interpretive panels, benches, and boardwalks over wet areas. It’s accessible for power wheelchairs and strollers.
  2. Coastal Trail: Beyond the loop, this section is more challenging and continues along the coast. It offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged coastline.

The trail is popular for birding, hiking, and walking, and is best visited from April through October. 

Loop Trail – 2.6km | Coastal Trail – 7.9km | Cape Breton Island, NS, Canada | Easy

Louisbourg Old Town Trail:

The Louisbourg Old Town Trail is a scenic 4.3km walk along the shore of Louisbourg Harbour. This trail takes you through what is known locally as Old Town, offering a glimpse into its 300-year history through a series of interpretive panels.

 

You’ll enjoy impressive views of the reconstructed Fortress of Louisbourg and the harbour as you walk. The trail is wheelchair accessible, and parking is available. It’s a great way to explore the rich history and beautiful coastal scenery of the area.

4.3km | Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site | Easy

Royal Battery Trail:

The Royal Battery Trail at the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site is a short, looped coastal walk that offers beautiful water views and a glimpse into 300 years of history. The trail is approximately 1.1km long and traces the ruins of an 18th-century French fortification.

 

As you walk, you can enjoy the salty breeze from Louisbourg Harbour and listen to the sounds of the lapping waves. It’s a great spot for birding, snowshoeing, and running, and it’s generally considered an easy route. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.

1.1km | Royal Battery National Historic Site of Canada | Easy

Mi’kmaq Trail:

The Mi’kmaq Trail in Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, is a beautiful and educational experience. This 1.8km out-and-back trail is located at the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site. It’s generally considered an easy route, taking about 28 minutes to complete.

 

The trail offers a unique opportunity to learn about the Mi’kmaq culture and history in the region. It’s one of the only forested interpretive walks at the site, featuring informative signs and exhibits along the way. The best time to visit is from May through October, and it’s a great spot for bird watching, running, and walking.

1.8km | Royal Battery National Historic Site of Canada | Easy

East White Point Trail:

The East White Point Cove Trail is a scenic and relatively easy 3.7km out-and-back trail located near the Fortress of Louisbourg. This trail is popular for running and walking, offering beautiful views of the coastline and opportunities to spot wildlife, including seals. The best times to visit are from April through October, and dogs are welcome as long as they are on a leash.

3.7km | Royal Battery National Historic Site of Canada | Easy

West White Point Trail:

The West White Point Cove Trail is a beautiful 5.3km out-and-back trail located near the Fortress of Louisbourg. It’s generally considered an easy route, making it perfect for birding, hiking, and running. The trail offers stunning views of the coastline and is a great spot for observing wildlife, including seals that often play near the coast.

 

The best times to visit are from April through October, and dogs are welcome as long as they are on a leash. The trail mostly runs along a sandy beach, so you can enjoy the salty breeze and the scenic beauty of the area.

5.3km | Louisbourg National Historic Site | Easy

Ruins Trail at Church Cove:

The Ruins Trail at Church Cove is a scenic and historic trail located within the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site. This 1.8km out-and-back trail is generally considered easy and takes about 21 minutes to complete.

The trail runs along the coastline, offering views of the Louisbourg Harbour and Church Cove. Along the way, you’ll encounter several historic cemeteries, adding a touch of history to your walk. It’s a great spot for a quick escape to enjoy the salty breeze and some peaceful scenery.

1.8km | Louisbourg National Historic Site | Easy

Simon Point Trail

This 4km loop beginning about a mile beyond the Fortress of Louisbourg on the road to Kennington Cove Beach, is an ungroomed trail consisting of easy paths and some rough rocky shores (beach rock)with one cove is locally known as “the graveyard” because of its shallow depths and proliferation of abandoned lobster traps.

 

Historical significance: It was a British encampment site during the sieges of 1745 and 1758. Positioned along the shore of Gabarus Bay , it was the marshalling area for some 150 vessels during the 1758 siege of Louisbourg

4km | Louisbourg National Historic Site | Easy

These trails cater to different skill levels and preferences, so you can choose the one that best suits your biking adventure.